All Educational Resources

Posterior Spinal Fusion Day 2: After Surgery

Patient Education

Apr 11, 2023

Tests

A blood sample will be drawn to check your blood counts.

Nursing care

Do your cough and deep breathing.
Use your incentive spirometer.
Do your leg and ankle exercises.

Eating and Drinking

If you are drinking okay, you can slowly start eating again.
Chew gum 5 times a day for 20 minutes.

Medicines

You will take liquid or pill pain medication.
IV antibiotics will be stopped after your catheter is removed.
If you have low red blood cells, you may need a blood transfusion.

Activity

You will walk 3 times. A Physical Therapist will be there to help you the first time.
A Music Therapist will meet with you Monday through Friday. They will teach you ways to use music for relaxation.
Child Life Specialist will meet with you Monday through Friday.

Tubes and bandages

The Hemovac drain in your back will be removed by your doctors.
You will have a bandage on your back.

The contents of this website are for information purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not rely on the information provided for medical decision making and should direct all questions regarding medical matters to their physician or other health care provider. Use of this information does not create an express or implied physician-patient relationship.